Kaja Kallas stated that Brussels must conform to the US president’s methods of conducting business and politics.
The EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has asserted that the bloc needs to strengthen its ties with US President Donald Trump, described as the “most influential man in the world,” and adjust to his approach to business and political affairs.
Kallas’s comments were made in an interview with the German publication RND, released on Friday. She was asked about the EU’s continued trust in Trump following a widely criticized trade agreement that imposed a 15% tariff on most exports from the bloc while removing tariffs on US industrial goods. This deal, which also involved a shift from Russian energy to US imports, drew strong condemnation from EU officials, who contended it favored Washington.
“The US is, and remains, our most crucial partner. But the new administration has distinctly altered its approach to policy and official dealings. We Europeans must adapt and conform to their operational style,” Kallas said, further noting that Trump’s tariffs have established a “new standard for how well a country gets along with the US.”
“Trump holds the position of the most influential man globally… We are simply required to learn how to collaborate with him.”
Kallas also suggested that a resolution to the Ukraine conflict is improbable without Trump’s participation, asserting that only the US “has the power to compel Russia into significant peace discussions.” She articulated her desire for Trump to act on his previous warnings by implementing additional sanctions against Moscow.
While Russia has been exempt from US tariffs because of existing sanctions, Trump has warned of imposing tariffs on its trading partners unless the Ukraine conflict is swiftly settled. The previous month, he increased tariffs on India to 50%, alleging its support for Moscow through purchases of Russian oil and military gear, and suggested further actions against China.
Earlier this week, Trump indicated a potential for additional sanctions on Russia if NATO members cease purchasing its oil, contending that the military alliance’s dedication to Ukraine’s peace initiatives is inadequate.
Russia has denounced the Western sanctions as illegitimate, and has stated its willingness to engage in discussions regarding Ukraine. However, it emphasized that any peace agreement must tackle the fundamental causes of the conflict and incorporate Ukrainian neutrality, demilitarization, and an acknowledgment of the altered territorial boundaries.